6 most explosive Cowboys heading into the 2025 season includes two defenders
The Fourth of July is known for fireworks, and with the Dallas Cowboys known as America's Team, it feels like an appropriate weekend to identify their most explosive players.
The Cowboys weren't a team that excelled in lighting up the scoreboard in 2024, but this offseason has changed the outlook for 2025. With a healthy Dak Prescott back at quarterback, the offense could return to grilling up 40-burgers once again.
The Cowboys added speed and explosive pieces to a team that already had some playmakers, which should make them fun to watch; and it's not just on offense where the team has exciting players. Here's a look at the six most explosive players on the Cowboys.
He might not be known as a speedster, but when the All-Pro wide receiver has the ball in his hands, he makes big plays. Lamb gets open with ease and if he makes a defender miss, he's off to the races and rarely caught.
Lamb has eight touchdowns of at least 40 yards in career, a number that swells to 11 if including scores of at least 35 yards. He's a premiere WR and a threat to score anytime he touches the ball.
One of the biggest pieces the offense added in the offseason was trading for the vertical threat who thrives on big plays. Pickens dominates as a deep-ball WR who makes contested catches without needing a ton of separation.
Vertical route % in '23…(Minimum 50 receptions)1. George Pickens (44.9%)2. Darius Slayton (43.8%)3. DK Metcalf (42.4%)4. DeAndre Hopkins (41.5%)5. Mike Evans (41.4%) pic.twitter.com/Yfk7vNeF9x
The Cowboys needed a WR who could win down the field and Pickens was the perfect player for their offense. Pickens led the NFL in yards per catch at 18.1 in 2023, and he did that without a top-tier quarterback. Finally pairing Pickens with a top caliber QB like Prescott means fans should expect fireworks.
One of the more overlooked playmakers in Dallas is their kick return specialist, who also contributes on offense. Turpin is an All-Pro kick returner who scored on both punt and kick returns last season.
KaVontae Turpin goes 99 yards for the TD 🔥📺: #DALvsWAS on FOX📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/IiHNVZAnt5
Turpin has grown as a WR in each of his three years with the Cowboys and can also be used out of the backfield. The speedy, twitchy Turpin has found the end zone as a receiver five times, as well as a runner once, making him one of the most versatile and explosive players on the roster.
The rookie RB hasn't made a play in the NFL yet, but his speed and explosion will make defenses sweat. Blue had the second-fastest 40-yard time at the combine, running a 4.38 and he plays to his elite timed speed.
JAYDON BLUE, HOW DO YOU DO?!?! 🔥A 77-YARD TOUCHDOWN TO MAKE IT A TWO-SCORE GAME VS. CLEMSON 😱 pic.twitter.com/cCzmh6V5W2
Blue not only excels as a runner, but also creates big plays in the passing game, making him a significant threat out of the backfield.
The Cowboys desperately needed speed at RB, and Blue is a great fit as he will scare defenses, and the rookie RB can score anytime he touches it, from anywhere on the field.
It's not just on offense where the Cowboys have playmakers. On the defensive side of the ball, Parsons brings elite speed and athleticism. There aren't many pass rushers who can turn the corner and pursue the QB like Parsons, who has begun his career with four consecutive double-digit sack seasons.
#Cowboys DE Micah Parsons has his 30th career sack. pic.twitter.com/gjbWC3ENut
Parsons is a game-wrecker on defense who needs to be accounted for on each snap. The perennial All-Pro also has a touchdown on a fumble return that showcased his special athletic ability.
Many may not think of Bland as an explosive player, but one doesn't luck into the record holder for pick-sixes in a season without being a playmaker. Bland had 14 interceptions in his first two years, before not securing a pick last season when he missed the first 10 games due to injury. Being a ballhawk is great for the defense, but being able to turn those turnovers into points is a special trait.
INT No. 6️⃣Pick-six No. 4️⃣ @DaRon_Bland 😱 pic.twitter.com/nkERULUdK2
He didn't have an impact last year, but that should change in 2025; Bland is one of the real big play options on the Cowboys' defense.
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